The fabric, made in Italy, is better than the typical Arena swim trunks. Generally the elasticity of this square cut is great, except the bottom region which seems a little loose/less elastic.

As the bottom of the square cut sits near the top of the thigh, I find it less restrictive on my legs when I swim, which is good. Of course, the (triangular) brief is better in this aspect. In terms of comfort & support, the brief is still superior to the square cut. I already have a brief which I'm very satisfied.

The purpose of getting this square cut is to add a variety (in terms of swimwear type). Also, with a longer side seam compared to the brief, I would choose to wear this square cut in social occasions (where the main purpose is socializing & not exercising) - a more conservative swimsuit is apt as far as my modesty is concerned.

With a side seam of 17cm, this is a low rise square cut. Its shorter side seam means the bottom of the square cut ends higher compared to a typical boxer trunk or a full coverage bottom (of a ladies' 2-piece swimsuit). I do not expose my butt crack, though the horizontal cutting along the bottom do expose some of my lower butt (which I don't mind). A female friend pointed out that this actually helps make my butt look shapier (She said comparatively, a longer, full coverage boxer swimwear totally flattens my butt undesirably). This square cut hugs the contours of my hips, caving inwards along the bottom central region, creating the illusion of a perkier butt.

Happy to have these in my aresenalBy
Chris
from Harbor City, CA
on 9/12/2012Size:
Feels true to size

I wanted something to push the envelope since I lost 35lbs and was getting ready for Jamaica. This is a micro square-leg suit, not a brief, and feels like it, in a good way. If you want to feel and show off your efforts to be in the shape of your life to this point, you can't go wrong. The low rise waistband is comfortable and has a reliable drawstring for when you are splashing around, the leg openings ride-up a bit but they don't bother you or make you feel self-conscious about it, and the half-liner does enough to not expose your junk too much. If you can rock these, your gonna' turn some heads and make more than a few men envious. Very pleased!

Best trunks everBy
swimmer
from New Jersey
on 8/1/2012Size:
Feels true to size

These are almost perfect. You get more leg coverage than a brief, but they're cut much shorter than most square leg suits. Most square leg suits don't work well: the legs ride up and bunch, and the rise is much too high. This suit is comfortable and well made. I wear it for body surfing, and the double thickness fabric in the front doesn't collect sand like it does in the Speedo Endurance brief. This is now my go-to trunk for the pool and surf. I like them so much that I bought some extra for that far off day when they need to be replaced.

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Since 1973, Arena™ has been a global influence and leader in competitive swimwear and accessories. Used by international top athletes and the official swim teams of UCSD, UC Berkeley, and Cal Poly, Arena swimwear is as synonymous with water as it is to swimming. Arena boasts a number of streamline, comfortable, and durable swimsuits that are perfect for competitive swimming and races.

By investing in innovation and researching fabrics and textiles, Arena is continuously discovering and utilizing unique technologies. Their high-tech patented Powerskin™ fabric claims to be the lightest fabric in production, weighing only 125 grams per square meter, while their stitchless seams keep mobility at its highest and reduces drag.

With offices populating Europe, Asia and the US, Arena is making waves worldwide with their quality line of goggles, training equipment and competitive swimwear. Whatever your swim needs, Arena has you covered with their jammers, one pieces, and neck-to-knee suits.